Semaphore store Hoff’s Furniture Market closing after almost 70 years as owner Greg Hoff retires

A third-generation antique seller in Adelaide’s west reveals why he’s closing his store and find out what he really thinks of IKEA.

Hoff’s Furniture Market owner Greg Hoff ahead of his store’s closure. Picture: Tim Joy

The third-generation owner of Hoff’s Furniture Market, a fixture in Adelaide’s west for almost 70 years, is closing his store because he has “had enough” after dedicating his life to the business.

Greg Hoff, 66, said the family shop that first opened at Semaphore in 1957 would close at the end of the financial year if his stock survived until June 30.

“I’m retiring – I’ve had enough,” he said.

“This is my 50th year in the industry, and I just thought I’d like to live the rest of my life, however long that may be, enjoying the spoils of my work.”

Mr Hoff's grandfather, Ben Hoff, opened the first store at a Semaphore site that became Fowler Funerals and was later demolished.

After his father, Graham Hoff, took over the business, he moved to two more Semaphore spots including the Odeon Star cinema, where the family sold furniture while customers enjoyed the latest films.

Mr Hoff moved to the present store at Woolnough Rd in 1999.

Hoff’s Furniture Market owner Greg Hoff ahead of his store’s closure. Picture: Tim Joy.

Hoff’s Furniture Market owner Greg Hoff ahead of his store’s closure. Picture: Tim Joy.

“I’ll miss it, definitely, but that’s just progress,” he said.

“I think the internet’s probably been detrimental to normal retail stores. If you haven’t got a high internet presence, then you’re behind the eight-ball a little bit, but we’ve survived quite well.”

He said good customer service and loyal customers had kept alive the business, which sold antique furniture and other used items such as records, crockery and suitcases – “anything really, providing it’s in good nick”.

“I try to go above and beyond, as in with deliveries and being reliable, punctual (and) offering good package deals,” Mr Hoff said.

“If someone’s not up to scratch with their service, then you don’t go back to them.

“The community here is very loyal to the local businesses, and we certainly wouldn’t be here if the community wasn’t like that.

“I’ll certainly miss the vast majority of them. Maybe a few I won’t.

“The local customers are excellent, actually.”

He said he would not miss the headaches of running a small business in the modern world, but he would miss chatting to customers and listening to their stories.

Hoff’s Furniture Market owner Greg Hoff ahead of his store’s closure. Picture: Tim Joy.

Mr Hoff said he was fascinated to witness the present popularity of retro veneer furniture, which was made of chipboard.

“They just seem to be popular because of the style. Style is probably more important than quality these days,” he said.

Mr Hoff said he understood the appeal of IKEA furniture, but would not be caught with it in his home.

“It serves a purpose for apartment living, but there’s not gonna be too many Ikea antiques in the future because they won’t last that long.

“I certainly wouldn’t have a lot of it in my house, but it’s functional. That’s about all I can say.”

IKEA has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Semaphore store Hoff’s Furniture Market closing after almost 70 years as owner Greg Hoff retires